Lake Walton, Georgia, USA

Tucked away in Georgia's Historic Heartland Region, Lake Walton typifies the kind of understated elegance that Georgia does so well. A relatively new lake, with lovely upscale homes in gated communities, Lake Walton is located in Walton County about 40 miles east of Atlanta and 30 miles southwest of Athens. As such, Lake Walton has become a desirable location for a suburban home. Its central location makes Lake Walton a pleasant commute from both cities and is located less than 10 miles from the City of Monroe. As Atlanta has become a prime location for its inviting business climate, higher-end housing growth has spread to such locales as Lake Walton. Here growing families can settle into a comfortable and safe neighborhood with all of the amenities.

Created by damming Little Flat Creek, Lake Walton is still growing and still filling its future banks. Currently at about 300 acres, Lake Walton will eventually stretch south from US 138 nearly to Monroe-Jersey Road near Alcovy Mountain, a distance of about two miles. Already the irregular shoreline shows promise as an excellent paddle-sport area, with extensive natural areas protected along the lakefront. Private docks for lakefront property owners are allowed in some areas. Still quite shallow, Lake Walton is expected to deepen as the reservoir fills with water. In anticipation, the lake is stocked with largemouth bass, bluegill, bream and catfish. Swimming is not advised at this point and boating strictly limited. Currently, only self-propelled boats and small electric motors are allowed. No gasoline motors will be allowed to protect water quality, but one can expect excellent sailing and pontooning on the long narrow lake once the water level rises. There is no public access to the lake.

The Lake Walton community offers plenty of activities until the lake fills completely: tennis courts, basketball courts, swimming pool, and clubhouses. A marina with boat slips, boat ramps, and fishing piers are planned for residents and their guests. Nature trails are being developed, and two golf courses are within five miles. The nearby city of Monroe offers daily shopping, services, dining, movie theaters and entertainment. Monroe holds well-preserved pre-Civil War architecture such as the Davis-Edwards House and the William Harris Homestead. Thirty miles up the road, Athens is the home of the University of Georgia with all of the arts and cultural activities that accompany a university town. The restored Victorian-era downtown hosts historic architecture and impressive gardens as the setting for art galleries, night clubs, specialty shops and elegant dining. Only in Athens can the dedicated Dawgs fan purchase deeded tailgate space for Bulldog home games.

South of Lake Walton, Covington offers a wealth of historic places to visit, such as Gaither's Plantation and Old Church. Covington and Newton County may have a familiar feel to the first-time visitor as many movies and television series have been filmed here. "In the Heat of the Night" was filmed in the Newton County area for seven years, making the Newton County Courthouse one of the most recognized in the United States. "The Dukes of Hazard" filmed its first five episodes in Newton County; fans still gather annually in Covington to show off their General Lees and tour location sites. Covington has two public golf courses and three reservoirs that are open for fishing, swimming and boating; Jackson Lake also allows waterskiing. The Charlie Elliot Wildlife Center below Mansfield has over four miles of soft-surface nature trails, and others are located around the county.

Stone Mountain State Park is less than 30 miles from Lake Walton. The state-owned theme park offers a variety of activities, experiences and history lessons. Camping and other lodgings are available with activities occurring year round. In winter, there is even snow skiing.

The city of Atlanta holds a wealth of activities and destinations for the active couple or family. Less than an hour from Lake Walton, Coca-Cola aficionados will love the World of Coca-Cola. Here they can tour the bottling plant and explore a historic collection of Coca-Cola memorabilia from the company's history. Children and adults alike will enjoy the Georgia Aquarium and Zoo Atlanta. The High Museum of Art provides exhibitions of art, collections representing many genres and lectures to enlighten and provoke thought. Atlanta is close enough that Lake Walton residents will be tempted to spend the spare afternoon shopping in the many malls or attending concerts, sporting events and festivals. Atlanta is noted for its fine dining and wide range of nightlife choices; Lake Walton makes it so easy and convenient to indulge.

Opportunities for overnight lodging can be found in the nearby towns of Monroe and Covington. Camping is located nearby near Monroe, Covington and at Hard Labor Creek State Park near Social Circle. Many inns and bed-and-breakfast establishments in the area make Newton and Walton Counties a great place to plan a week-end get-away. Real estate is available at Lake Walton with lake frontage and lake views. Come and explore the Lake Walton area. You may find it just the ticket for your future family home.